Lucknow. The political atmosphere has started heating up before the Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Uttar Pradesh. National President of Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has made a scathing attack on the state government and administrative officials regarding election fairness. He warned the officials that if instead of fulfilling their responsibilities, they act like workers of any political party, then they should be prepared to go to jail. Akhilesh alleged that the government machinery was being misused to influence the electoral process. He has also appealed to the Election Commission to ensure fair elections and protect the rights of voters.
Akhilesh Yadav’s strict warning to officers
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, while talking to journalists in Lucknow on Wednesday, October 21, said that the job of administrative officers is to discharge their responsibilities as per the Constitution and law. Officers should not work under pressure from any political party.
He said that such facts and evidence may come to light against many people, which will be enough to send them to jail. Akhilesh said in clear words that officers should understand their constitutional responsibilities and avoid playing the role of political workers.
The SP chief said, “I appeal to the Election Commission and the officials to remain impartial. There should be no theft of votes, no manipulation of votes. It is the responsibility of the officials to remain as officials. If they remain as party workers, then be prepared to go to jail.”
His statement is being considered as a strict political message for the administrative officers before the upcoming Legislative Council elections.
Serious allegations made against BSA and DIOS
Akhilesh Yadav especially raised questions on the functioning of the officials of the Education Department. He alleged that some District Basic Education Officers (BSAs) and District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) in teacher and graduate constituencies were trying to influence voters.
The SP President alleges that some officials are threatening teachers and other concerned people through mobile phones and calls. He said that such activities can affect the fairness of the elections.
Akhilesh claimed that facts and evidence can be gathered against the officials who allegedly committed irregularities in the elections. However, these allegations have not been independently confirmed and the stand of the concerned authorities is also not clear.
BJP accused of vote rigging
The Samajwadi Party chief also made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party. He claimed that the BJP was misusing the administrative machinery and voter lists to win the elections.
Akhilesh alleged that BJP cannot achieve victory without election rigging and manipulation. He said that the people elect their representatives democratically and any disturbance in this process is harmful for democracy.
The former chief minister demanded the Election Commission to ensure level playing field for all political parties and candidates. He said that voters should not face any kind of pressure, threat or inducement in the elections.
Questions raised regarding voter list also
Akhilesh Yadav also raised questions on the use of voter list. He said that if the voter list information is being used to give undue advantage to any political party, then it should be investigated.
He claimed that information related to voters is reaching BJP ministers and leaders and on the basis of this, voice calls are being made to the people.
The SP President raised the question as to how this information is reaching the ministers and leaders. He appealed to the party workers to remain alert against such activities and preserve evidence of any suspicious case.
Referring to the Ayodhya and Faizabad elections, Akhilesh claimed that his party has recordings related to some of the earlier activities.
Alleged corruption in education department also targeted
Along with the MLC elections, Akhilesh Yadav also attacked the state government over alleged irregularities in the education department of Uttar Pradesh. He alleged that irregularities were taking place in appointments, transfers and other administrative processes in the department.
He said that when there is a change of power, such cases should be investigated and if the involvement of any officer is proved, then action should be taken against him as per law.
Akhilesh claimed that when there is change in the state, accountability of those involved in the alleged irregularities of the education department will be fixed. However, a person cannot be held guilty merely on the basis of political allegations. For this, investigation and judicial process will be necessary.
Big promise made regarding Shikshamitras
While talking to journalists, Akhilesh Yadav also raised the issue of problems of Shikshamitras. He said that if Samajwadi Party comes to power, it will work towards providing government jobs to Shiksha Mitras by making them regular teachers.
He criticized the education policies of the BJP government and alleged that the education system in the state has been weakened. Akhilesh also reiterated his party’s commitment on the issues of reservation, rights and respect.
He claimed that the Samajwadi Party will continue to struggle for social justice and to protect the rights of the deprived sections.
candidates in MLC elections
